I stumbled upon the book, “Living Untethered” by Michael A. Singer because it had a pretty horse on the cover. If you don’t get by now that I am an animal person, stay with me; you’ll catch on. I also liked the sub-title: “Beyond the Human Predicament” because I have so often cited myself that life is a type of predicament. As in, we didn’t get an invitation, arrived by default, and are presented with a litany of mashed turnips and codswallop, then get to die. That, to me, is a predicament with béchamel sauce on it (and your face). 

     What I learned is that this was the sequel to another book, “The Untethered Soul.” Parts of this book, under categories such as Conscious Awareness (something I advocate a lot), Learning to Let Go, and Living a Life of Acceptance, suggest a freeing of oneself from the structure and constraints of society, itself a construct, albeit necessary, while still existing in some sense of peace within it. I mean, we’re here, might as well grab a bite and a libation, and try to enjoy the party, right? Take a cab home.

     The early chapters and sections actually delve into the facts and fascination of astrophysics. Chapter 1 beings with these lines: “Sitting on a planet spinning through vast outer space for a handful of years — in the broadest sense, this is the human predicament. Earth has been here for 4.5 billion years…” It goes on in that vein. Until it doesn’t. I had been hopeful with an opening such as this, we were going to be taking a scientific look at humanity, but alas, it eventually descends into giving a paternal monotheistic deity top marks for our existence.

     There are significant parts of this book that straddle the line between science and religion, but it often crosses, and so the neutral stance tilts. I found it very trying to see the insights in the writing with an unbiased eye, which never makes me happy, but certain aspects of it are wise and make common sense. Definitely one to borrow from the library, and skip the bits that seem to be going all ethereal. You won’t lose the chronology if you bypass stuff that does not resonate with you.